Elongate bodies for use in pre-cast panel forming systems

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention is directed toward elongate bodies for use with pre-cast panel forming systems.
The elongate bodies may be used to provide architectural or structural features in pre-cast panels.
Referring to FIGS.
1A-1D and 2A-2C, several embodiments of an elongate body 10 are illustrated in cross-section in an engaged state.
The body 10 has a set portion 12, a hinged portion 14, and a hinge 16.
The elongate body 10 of the present invention may be manufactured in an extrusion process and, as such, may comprise an extruded cross-section extending along its entire length.
The elongate body may be formed from any plastic material but is preferably formed from extricable plastic materials because the design of the present invention is well-suited for manufacture by an extrusion process.
Preferred materials include polyvinyl chloride (PVC), low or high-density polyethylene or polypropylene, acrylics, polycarbonates, and thermoplastic elastomers.
As will be appreciated by those familiar with the art of extrusion, an extruded member defines a substantially uniform extruded cross-section that extends along substantially the entire length of the member.
Referring to FIGS.
1A-1D, several embodiments of the elongate body 10 are illustrated.
The set portion 12 has a first member 18, and first member 18 defines a base plane 20.
At least a portion of the first member 18 is configured to engage a panel forming surface.
The hinge 16 couples set portion 12 and hinged portion 14.
The set portion 12 and hinged portion 14 are configured to define an engagement 24, and the hinged portion 14 is movable about the hinge 16 to an engaged state and disengaged state of the engagement.
The set portion 12 may define a first beveled edge 22 extending away from the base plane 20, and the first beveled edge 22 may intersect the base plane 20.
The hinged portion 14 may define a face plane 28 opposite the base plane 20, and the first beveled edge 22 defined by the set portion may extend away from the base plane 20 toward the face plane 28